While many nationwide trends continue to take shape, the beverage alcohol industry in the U.S. is still regulated by the 50 individual states, each with its own unique culture. Therefore, it’s necessary to take a look at each state individually to identify key trends before entering each market. Below is a comprehensive review of category trends, rising subcategories, and the top overall brands in the state of Florida, according to the latest data from Beverage Information Group.
Beer was the top category in Florida again in 2021 with 175.5 million cases sold. Overall, beer volumes grew 4.2% from 2019 to 2021. Most of the growth in beer is currently driven by hard seltzer, according to data from IRI.
Wine followed with 28.5 million nine-liter cases sold and spirits sold 20 million cases. However, wine was the slowest growing category in the two years from 2019 to 2021, only adding 326,000 cases in that period. Spirits were the fastest-growing category in the state with a 6% category growth from 2019 to 2021.
How Subcategories Performed
While the wine category struggled to see growth, sparkling wines and champagne saw solid year-over-year growth at 6.7%. Currently, this subcategory only accounts for about a 6.9% share of total wine in the state, representing plenty of room for growth. Table wine led all wine subcategories, accounting for 92% of total wine.
The top distilled spirits subcategories in Florida were vodka, rum, American whiskey, cordials, and tequila. Though vodka led all subcategories, it saw a 1.2% drop in case volumes in 2021 compared to the previous year.
The fastest-growing subcategories were tequila, which saw 7.9% growth year over year, and prepared cocktails with 6% growth. While tequila is currently a top-five subcategory in the state, prepared cocktails only accounted for about 5% of the distilled spirits market share.
Top Brands in the State
Vodka represented almost half of the top 20 brands in Florida, led by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Smirnoff, and New Amsterdam in the top five. Rum brands Bacardi and Captain Morgan were the remaining two at the top.
Though American whiskies represented the top whiskey subcategory, the top whiskey brand in the state was Crown Royal Canadian Whisky. Jack Daniel’s and Fireball also cracked the top ten brands in the state.
Jose Cuervo represented the only tequila brand in the top 20 brands and Jose Cuervo RTD represented the only prepared cocktail on the list.
April’s product launches underscored the trend of expanding canned options, with several brands continuing to enter the RTD space or adding new flavor options to existing collections. The month also saw Diageo releasing a new tequila and WhistlePig exploring a creative new use for David Ortiz’s baseball bats. Below is Park Street’s full product release recap for April 2022.
Just in time for summer, high-profile vodka brand SVEDKA has joined the RTD party with its release of SVEDKA Tropics Tea Spritz. The hard seltzers will appear in three varieties: Pineapple Guava, Raspberry Kiwi, and Orange Mango. The new extensions are made with vodka, tea, sparkling water, and tropical fruit flavors and each contains 5% ABV. The new offerings are available in both 4 and 8-pack formats and will retail at 12.99 and 19.99 respectively.
“With real ingredients and a lower ABV, SVEDKA Tropics provides a depth of flavor and a unique taste experience that sets it apart from other hard seltzers. The RTD canned category continues to grow at a rapid pace, and we believe SVEDKA Tropics offers a fantastic option for any occasion” said Billy Lagor, Senior Vice President of Brand Management at SVEDKA.
Anheuser-Busch’s Michelob Ultra released a spiked hard seltzer line called The Essential Collection. It is the first hard seltzer with national distribution to acquire an organic certification from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The offering comes in four variations: Blueberry Watermelon, Strawberry Guava, Berry Hibiscus, and Kiwi Lime. The seltzers are made with real fruit juice and infused coconut water and contain 90 calories per 12oz slim can. Coming in at 4% AVB, the collection will retail in variety 12-packs for $14.99.
“We believe that Michelob ULTRA is uniquely positioned to win in the hard seltzer segment, not only because it’s one of the hottest brands in the country, but also because it has unmatched equity as a high-quality brand,” Global Vice President of Michelob Ultra Ricardo Marques said in a press release in 2021. “This is just the beginning of an exciting, action-packed year from Michelob ULTRA, and we couldn’t be more excited.” {Trillist}
WhistlePig has announced a new single barrel Legends Series in collaboration with former baseball star David Ortiz (“Big Papi”). The first of three iterations in the limited edition series, the 100% rye whiskey is aged for six years in American oak and is finished in barrels containing toasted maple wood bats (Big Papi’s signature bat). The offering is bottled at 96.56% proof and will retail at $49.99 per 750mL bottle for purchase on the Vermont producer’s official website.
“It was incredible to collaborate with David Ortiz, whose toasted maple bats add layers of spice and caramelized notes to the bold, 100% rye character of WhistlePig PiggyBack,” said Meghan Ireland, WhistlePig Blender. “I think fans of the game – regardless of team – will find a home run in the Big Papi Barrel.”
Non-alcoholic beverage brand Drink Monday has added a Mezcal to its existing offerings. Monday Mezcal is the San Diego-based brand’s third non-alcoholic spirit and helps establish them as a leading portfolio in the low and no category. The mezcal is made by hand with natural ingredients at their craft distillery in Southern California. The product boasts no carbs, calories, or sugar and is available for purchase on the company’s official website at $42 for non-members.
“With Monday Mezcal, we have a rare opportunity to surprise and delight two very special groups on the rise with a single spirit – the non-alcoholic community at large, and the agave spirits loving crowd that may, for the first time, have a reason to look over the fence toward a lifestyle using a little less alcohol without taking away flavor or experience,” says Drink Monday CEO and Founder, Chris Boyd.”
Seagram’s Vodka has added two flavors to its existing portfolio: Strawberry Lemonade and Pineapple Mango. The strawberry lemonade vodka is meant to be mixed with sparkling water and lemonade for an easy-to-make cocktail while the Pineapple Mango is best served with blended juice or over a few rocks. The two selections come in at 35% ABV and are available for retail purchase nationwide at $12.99 per bottle.
“Vodka is the largest value spirits category and the #2 spirits category overall – and we are proud to say that Seagram’s Vodka checks both of those boxes,” said Marcel Durand, Vice President of Marketing, Infinium Spirits. “Our goal with these new flavor launches is to introduce more consumers to our quality, mixable product at an affordable price, especially ahead of the warmer weather.”
Premium spirit brand Tequila Cazadores has added a Ranch Water offering to their existing line of RTD-based canned cocktails. Made with Tequila Cazadores Blanco, sparkling mineral water, and lime juice, the premium canned cocktail is the fourth edition to its nationally distributed line. The RTD will be available in select markets throughout the western U.S. and each 12oz can contains 5.9% ABV and will retail in 4-packs at $12.99.
“Tequila Cazadores has received an overwhelmingly positive response to the line of ready-to-drink canned cocktails released last year and the rise in popularity of Ranch Water cocktails felt like a natural progression for our consumers who enjoy the ease of an RTD beverage that has real tequila and real ingredients. As we celebrate the 100-year-anniversary of our original tequila recipe this year, we’re excited to continue innovating with new products while staying true to our original tequila recipe developed in 1922″ said Ashley Campbell, Tequila Cazadores Senior Brand Manager.
Diageo added to its expansive portfolio with the launch of a new premium tequila brand, Astral Tequila. Made with 100% Blue Weber agave in Jalisco, Mexico, the offering employs a unique milling process that uses a stone wheel called a tahona to crush juices from the agave fibers which are then incorporated into the fermentation process. The result is a complex but smooth tequila with citrus, honey, and white pepper notes. Astral Tequila is available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $34.99 per 750mL bottle.
“We’re incredibly proud to introduce Astral Tequila,” says Christina Choi, SVP of Tequila, Diageo North America. “Our traditional and time-intensive process creates a delicious, unique tequila, made to be enjoyed with close friends for brighter cocktails and connections.”
Avaline, a wine brand owned by Cameron Diaz and Katherine Power, has released canned formats for their White and Rose wines. The brand is using the same organic grapes and vegan-friendly ingredients in the canned wines as they do for the rest of their product line. The offering will be available in 4-pack formats with 250mL in each can. They will be available for purchase at select retailers for $21.99 and on the company’s official website for $28.
“We’re proud to join the fast-growing canned wine sector with the introduction of our top-selling White and Rosé wines in a convenient, new format. Our cans stand out with quality, transparency, sustainability, and elevated design. We feel confident they will appeal to our local community and new wine lovers alike,” says Katherine Power.
Adding to their existing seltzer line, Bud Light has announced the summer-themed release of the Cocktail Hour variety pack. The limited-time offering will appear in 12-pack formats with four different flavors in each: Tropical Punch, Lime Margarita, Watermelon Mojito, and Strawberry Daiquiri. This follows the Anheuser-Busch brand’s release of a sour variety pack and a hard soda pack. Each can will contain 5% ABV, with 100 calories and zero sugar. The variety pack will be available nationwide at a suggested retail price of $15.99.
“Our new limited-edition Cocktail Hour variety pack is perfect for our loyal fans who expect us to have bold, delicious flavors, and is appealing to consumers who are looking for a seltzer spin on their fan-favorite summer cocktail flavors as they gather with friends and family this season,” said Andy Goeler, Bud Light’s vice president of marketing.
In the next addition to its hard seltzer series, Topo Chico is unveiling a Margarita Hard Seltzer variety pack. The new offering will include four new flavors which are all riffs on the classic cocktail: Signature Margarita, Tropical Pineapple, Strawberry Hibiscus, and Prickly Pear. Each can in the variety pack is 12-ounces and contains 100 calories at 4.5% ABV. The Signature Margarita offering will also be available in stand-alone 24-ounce can formats. The selection is now available for purchase nationwide.
“Everyone loves a good margarita – it’s the No. 1 cocktail on-premise for a reason and a natural fit for a brand like Topo Chico Hard Seltzer,” says Matt Escalante, vice president of hard seltzers at Molson Coors Beverage Co. “So we took what drinkers look for in a margarita – everything from the salty rim to the exotic fruit flavors and citrusy finish – and put it into an easy-drinking hard seltzer.”
Anheuser-Busch will be launching Ukraine’s most popular beer, Chernigivske, in the United States to raise funds for humanitarian relief in the country. Starting in May the beer will be brewed at Anheuser-Busch’s factory location in Newark, New Jersey, and will be available for purchase in New York, Phoenix, Houston, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
A staple in its portfolio, AB InBev describes Chernigivske’s brand as a celebration of Ukrainian history, culture, and people and is named after the city of Chernihiv where it’s been brewed since 1988. The pale golden lager contains fruity notes and has a moderately bitter finish. In addition to the proceeds from beer sales, the multinational brewer will also donate at least $5 million to humanitarian aid organizations. AB InBev said the initiative is “aimed at providing humanitarian relief for those impacted by the crisis in Ukraine.”
March was highlighted by the entrance of major players into the RTD space including Jameson, CÎROC, and Grey Goose. Several new celebrity partnerships also took shape, with A$AP Rocky, AC/DC, and Reese Witherspoon all involved with product rollouts this month. Below is Park Street’s full recap of product launches for March 2022.
In collaboration with Beam Suntory, hard seltzer producer Truly is venturing into the spirits category with the introduction of a flavored vodka offering inspired by its range of seltzers. The new flavored vodka will be available in three varieties: Strawberry Lemonade, Wild Berry, and Pineapple Mango. The varieties will all contain 30% ABV and retail from 50mL to 1L formats at select grocery stores.
“As we enter an entirely new category for the brand, we’re thrilled to be working in tandem with the pioneers in premium spirits at Beam Suntory to bring our latest innovation to life,” said Lesya Lysyj, Boston Beer Company CMO. “With the launch of Truly Flavored Vodka, we want to defy what consumers think vodka can be and create a product that’s flavorful, colorful, and endlessly interesting.
With the extensive growth of the RTD category being partially facilitated by whiskey-based cocktails, Jameson Irish Whisky has become the latest major supplier to enter the U.S. RTD market. The premium canned cocktail is ginger and lime flavored and made with a triple distilled Irish whiskey base. The new offering is 6% ABV and is available at retailers nationwide. It will also be available on Drizly in 4-packs of sleek 12oz cans.
“We’re exceptionally excited to announce this new offering just in time for St. Patrick’s Day,” said Sona Bajaria, Vice President of Marketing, Jameson at Pernod Ricard USA. “The past two years have underscored the mandate to provide consumers with quality products in a convenient way. With 9 out of 10 consumers interested in purchasing a Jameson Ginger & Lime ready-to-drink, this expansion was a natural next step.”
In a move that introduces the brand’s first ready-to-drink line, Bacardi-owned Grey Goose has launched its Essence Vodka Spritz. The RTD is a variant of the company’s 30% ABV Essences Line which was unveiled last year with a high degree of success. The offering will come in at 4.5% ABV with 79 calories per 250mL can.
Martin de Dreuille, Grey Goose Vice-President of Global Marketing, said: “Spritzes and drinks featuring botanicals have been growing trends, and with consumers increasingly trying their hand at mixology, we knew there was an exciting opportunity to create a distinctive drink using real fruit essences that would take the guesswork out of mixing light tasting and delicious cocktails at home.”
Anchor Brewing Company introduced a new West Coast IPA to its year-round portfolio. The offering is meant to celebrate the evolution of Anchor’s dry-hopping process and the company’s history. The IPA is brewed with nugget citra and cascade hops and contains grapefruit zest and fresh pine aromas. The product retails at $9.99 per 6-pack and contains 7% ABV.
“Our West Coast IPA is a celebration of our Bay Area roots, and Anchor’s long history with dry hopping,” said Assistant Brewmaster Dane Volek, who leads Anchor’s innovation team. “We’ve been experimenting with variations at Public Taps, our taproom in San Francisco, and perfecting our version of this respected style to land on this vibrant and balanced beer.”
In partnership with E. & J. Gallo and Global Brand Equities, musical artist ASAP Rocky has unveiled his new Canadian whisky brand, Mercer & Prince. Marketed toward contemporary consumers, the whisky is aged for four years in American white oak barrels. The aging process yields fruity aromas on the nose with notes of dark caramel and cinnamon to the taste. Mercer & Prince is available through ReserveBar at $29.99 and retailers starting in the summer.
“Bringing Rocky’s vision to life has been a terrific opportunity for Gallo and we appreciate his commitment,” said Britt West, the Vice President and General Manager of the spirit division at Gallo. “It’s been an exciting process, helping him source the right whisky, finding partners capable of producing the package, and ultimately getting it to the market effectively. With Mercer + Prince, Rocky wants to shake things up for the long term and we are fully on board.”
Anheuser Busch-owned Modelo has joined the ready-to-drink party with its release of Ranch Water, a premium canned cocktail. Made from sparkling water, lime juice, and tequila, the new RTDs are available in New Mexico and Texas. The cans sell in packs of 6 and contain 100 calories with 4.5% ABV.
“This launch is the latest in a series of moves by the brand to reach its goal of becoming the #1 beer brand in the U.S.,” Modelo shared in the release.
The Balvenie added three new whiskies to its Cask Finishes Range. The release includes a 15-year-old Madeira cask-finished scotch, an 18-year old Pedro Ximénez finished whisky, and a 16-year old finished in French Pineau casks, with the first two being released exclusively into the travel retail market.
“Pineau casks are rarely seen in the scotch whisky industry and they have paired with the Balvenie spirit perfectly, adding orchard fruits and a citrusy zing,” commented Charles Metcalfe, global brand ambassador for The Balvenie. “The extra sweetness and richness from the Pedro Ximénez cask adds a lovely rich weight to the palate of our 18 Years Old, with all of those delicious dark fruits coming through.
Scottish gin maker Hendricks has come out with a limited release: Neptunia. The gin is infused with a blend of coastal botanicals and yields a crisp, citrus finish. The offering is bottled at 43.4% AVB and will retail for 39.99 for each 750mL bottle. Crafted by master distiller Lesley Gracie, Neptunia is inspired by memories and impressions made on her by the sea.
“Most of my creations are based on memories – I play around with botanicals and combine them to recreate certain sensations. Hendrick’s Neptunia, for me, is that freeing feeling of the sea bottled in a gin. You have that distinctive fresh character from coastal herbs, depth of flavor from the sea botanicals, and an unmistakably clean, bright citrus finish that lifts in a round, refreshing way that makes it Hendrick’s,” Gracie said.
Diageo owned Bulleit Frontier Whisky rolled out a new line of premium ready-to-drink cocktails with the announcement of Bulleit Crafted Cocktails. The line includes two initial offerings: Bulleit Manhattan and Bulleit Old Fashioned. The whiskey-based mixed drinks can be served neat, chilled, or on ice and are packed in bottles inspired by the distiller’s usual orange and green packaging. Each cocktail comes in at 37.5% ABV and is suggested to retail at $29.99 per 375mL bottle.
“As a brand rooted in bartender culture, we collaborated with a number of leading bartenders to perfect and refine two timeless whiskey cocktails, the Old Fashioned and Manhattan,” says Sophie Kelly, SVP of Whiskies, Diageo. “With Bulleit Crafted Cocktails, consumers can pour and serve bar quality, crafted cocktails wherever they are. Whilst nothing can replace the full experience of enjoying a drink made by your local bartender, Bulleit Crafted Cocktails are as close as you can get.
Non-alcoholic beer leader Athletic Brewing added Athletic Lite to its portfolio. Containing 25 calories and 5 cards, the drink’s launch ventures into new territory for the non-alcoholic space, with very few low-cal options available. The offering is being positioned to compete against other leading higher-proof lite options like Michelob Ultra, Coors Light, Miller, and Bud Light. The product’s launch will be bolstered by a media deal with CBS in which March Madness players and Sports Center’s Scott Van Pelt will tout the Lite beer on social media. This is the first non-alcoholic campaign of its kind. It will retail at $13.99 per 6-pack.
“The craft beer world — not to mention the non-alcoholic craft beer world — is such a relatively small part of the beer world. We want to reach the enormous landscape of macro light beer drinkers with a really high-quality product,” says Athletic co-founder Bill Shufelt.
Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum came out with its latest offering, Cherry Vanilla. The new variety blends the brand’s classic spiced rum with sweet dark cherries and vanilla. To promote the new release the company has partnered with TV personality Joe Amabile or “Grocery Store Joe” and is encouraging consumers to share their creations with the beverage on social media. For a limited time in the U.S., each 750mL bottle retails at $15.99 and contains 30% ABV.
“Captain Morgan has a history of experimenting with new flavors. For Cherry Vanilla, we used inspiration from the past to create something new. We wanted to give people the comfort of a flavor they love, our spiced rum, with a twist that would inspire experimentation whether an ice cream float or their own personal creation,” said Sam Salameh, Vice President of Captain Morgan.
Great South Bay Brewing has partnered with KnuckleBonz to extend its Limited Edition Beverage Series by introducing the AC/DC For Those About To Rock Ale. The release will give fans of the rock band a 5.9% ABV beer that’s brewed with Aussie hops and cane sugar for a crisp citrusy taste with a subtle malty sweetness. The new offering will be available in 33 States across the U.S. and will retail for $19.99 a four-pack through Half Time Beverage.
“When we were presented the opportunity to work with KnuckleBonz to combine our crafts it was one of those ‘Aha!’ moments. To say that we are excited about what we have been able to come together and create would be a massive understatement,” says Chris Davis of Great South Bay Brewery.
Actress Reese Whitherspoon has partnered with Sonoma-based SIMI WInery to unveil The Editors Edition Rose. Created to pair with Witherspoon’s book club, the Rose is made from a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes and has white peach, citrus, and strawberry flavors to the taste. The offering will be on sale at Target where it will retail for $18.99.
I began Reese’s Book Club to elevate women’s stories and to connect with readers and friends like you. And what better way to celebrate these women – and connect with each other – than over a great glass of wine.
Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs and CÎROC are the latest to enter the ready-to-drink space, with the announcement of CÎROC Vodka Spritz. This is the first RTD for the premium cocktail brand. The collection will feature four summer-inspired flavors: Watermelon Kiwi, Sunset Citrus, Pineapple Passion, and Colada. The range will be available nationwide and will retail for $16.99 for a 4-pack of each flavor.
“Breaking into the RTD category is a landmark moment for the brand and we’re excited to launch a line of spirits that bring a new energy and audience segment to the growing market,” says Sean “Diddy” Combs. “With nearly 15 years leading the brand and having historic success growing the CÎROC portfolio, I’m looking forward to making CÎROC Vodka Spritz the No. 1 brand in the category.”
February was a big month for RTDs as new products hit the market, highlighted by the rollout of Hard Mtn Dew. We also saw plenty of representation among whiskeys and tequilas among product launches. Below is a recap of Park Street’s comprehensive list of product launches for February 2022.
In what has accumulated a “cult following” in recent years, Woodford Reserve announced this year’s release of its annual Double Double Oaked Bourbon. By taking their Double Oaked selection and aging it for an additional year in a heavily toasted, lightly charred new oak barrel, the bourbon gets a distinct spicy quality.
For the first time, the release is accompanied by a national sweepstakes which will give consumers the chance to get their hands on the Double Double Oak bottles only sold at Kentucky-based retailers. The bourbon comes in at 90.4 proof and is priced at $49.99 per 375ml bottle.
Beam Suntory’s Tres Generaciones Tequila has unveiled an Anejo Cristalino ultra-premium selection. The tequila is available at retailers across the country for $64.99 in a 750mL bottle.
“Cristalino tequila is the fastest-growing sub-category in the market,” said Rashidi Hodari, Managing Director Tequila at Beam Suntory.
NBA star Lebron James continues to champion his 2020 investment in Lobos 1707 Tequila with their release of a new Extra Anejo Tequila.
The bottle is larger than their previous offerings and has the Lobos 1707 molded into the glass. This product is available through Reserve Bar, and retails for $159 per 750ml, while the Reposado and Joven expressions are priced at $49 and $45 respectively. Lobos 1707 Mezcal Artesanal is priced at $55 per 750ml.
Hennessy Cognac, owned by LVMH, has released a VSOP limited edition bottle with Colombian singer Maluma. The partnership marks the first time the French distiller has teamed up with a recording artist to release a limited edition Cognac.
“Hennessy has a long history of championing and celebrating those who push the limits of potential, and Maluma’s journey is the perfect personification of our brand ethos,” said Jasmin Allen, senior vice-president, Hennessy US. The limited-edition release is available for purchase at $65 a bottle with a collectible bottle version accessible through ReserveBar in all 50 states.
Tequila Avion has released the newest addition to its reserve range: Avion Reserva Cristalino. The tequila goes through a double charcoal filtration process to yield a crystal clear liquid that retains its barrel-aged aromatic qualities. The premium tequila is available at US retailers for $145 a bottle and online through Drizly and ReserveBar.
“I am proud of what we created together: a Cristalino with age and complexity, balance and nuance, but one that is a tequila first – showcasing our beloved agave,” said Virginia Miller, the tequila’s liquid design partner.
Bud Light has taken advantage of the growing low and no trend by launching their first zero carb beer, Bud Light NEXT. The can features a tall, slender look, containing 80 calories and clocking in at 4% AVB. The low-carb beer will retail in 12 packs for $15.99 and will be sold anywhere you can find Bud Light.
The release coincides with the company’s first NFT campaign as well, the Bud Light N3XT Collection. “As we usher in a new era of beer with the launch of Bud Light NEXT, we’re simultaneously seeing a revolutionary shift in the way brands engage with people on the internet,” says Corey Brown, sr. digital director for Bud Light.
High West Distillery has come out with its newest offering: Bourye Whiskey. Exclusively sold in Utah, the blended whisky is aged for a minimum of 10 years and has tasting notes of blood orange and salted caramel. Containing 46% AVB, Bourye whisky is priced at $79.99 a bottle and is available at liquor stores across Utah.
“This year’s label release lands just ahead of the 2022 Olympic Games, and we are excited to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Utah’s Olympic legacy with whiskey in hand” noted High West Master Distiller Brendan Coyle.
In what continues to be a strong period of growth for Aperitivos, Italian producer Martini & Rossi rolled out a new line of non-alcoholic aperitivos. The line includes two new offerings; Floreale, characterized by a botanical flavor profile, and a fruity expression called Vibrante. Both options have less than 5% AVB and retail in 750mL formats at 19.99 a bottle. Martini & Rossi Vibrante is currently available in Illinois, Washington, California, Arizona, Washington DC, and Europe.
More people are introducing moderation into their lifestyle and finding new ways to host and celebrate with friends, while also adopting a more mindful approach to spirits. These options are the perfect addition to any cocktail lover’s drinks cabinet and something that everyone can enjoy.”
Hard seltzer giant White Claw has added to its existing selections with the release of Passion Fruit. Containing 100 calories with an ABV of 5%, the gluten-free seltzer will replace Mango in the White Claw Variety Pack and retail at $15.99.
In the fourth addition to Crown Royal’s growing canned cocktail lineup, the Canadian whisky maker released a limited edition Whiskey Lemonade. Marketed to complement the incoming warm weather, the RTD cocktail is 7% AVB and retails in 4packs at $14.99.
The offering coincides with the established success of lemonade varieties in canned cocktails.“The new Whisky Lemonade flavor is the latest innovation that fuses a familiar summertime staple with the boldness of our whisky, providing a fresh take on ready-to-drink cocktails” commented Crown Royal Vice President Nicky Heckles.
In collaboration with Boston Beer Company, PepsiCo. continued its rollout of canned alcoholic beverages with the addition of Baja Blast to the HARD MTN DEW lineup. Currently limited to Florida, Tennessee, and Iowa for purchase, the canned beverages contain 100 calories with 5% AVB and will retail in both 24-ounce single can and 12 ounces, twelve can pack formats.
“Originally intended to be a mixer for alcoholic spirits when MTN DEW was created more than 80 years ago, the brand is returning to its roots in one of the first alcoholic versions of a major soft drink,” Boston Beer Company wrote in a press release.
Old Forester Distilling Co. debuted a limited edition 1910 Extra Old, an expression that ages their standard Old Fine Whisky in a second barrel for 18 months. This is the third installment in the distiller’s ‘The 117 Series’ and pays tribute to a 1910 bottling line fire that caused the producer to age their ready-to-be-bottled whisky in a secondary barrel. The result is a rich bourbon with distinct caramel notes.
1910 Extra Old will be available in the Old Forester retail shop, other select Kentucky-based retailers, and select states for direct-to-consumer sales. The bottle is 93 proof and sells at $49.99.
Craft beer company SouthNorte Brands has entered the ready-to-drink space with their rollout of an RTD lineup. The lineup includes three tequila-based cocktails; the Paloma, Matador, and Mexican Mule which look to celebrate the essence of Mexican culture. The three ultra-premium RTDs come in 12oz, six-pack formats and contain 7% AVB. The Canned cocktails are expected to hit shelves across the U.S. this spring.
“Ready to drink cocktails are capturing consumers’ hearts and interest, as such, we expect there to be explosive growth in the category. This parallels the increased consumer demand for Tequilas, Tequila-based cocktails, and all things authentically Mexican,” said John Gallegos, founding partner and majority owner of SouthNorte Brands.
The RTD category may have seen an explosion in the last few years, but Charles Joly and Matt Lindner of Crafthouse Cocktails have helped refine the canned cocktail experience for the better part of the last decade.
On the latest episode of the Park Street Insider Podcast, the two industry veterans sit down with Andres Correa to discuss their brand’s principles and growth over the recent years.
They touch on how their on-premise background and marketing initiatives translated to developing some of the most popular premium RTDs on the market. The co-founders also break down how they navigated through the Covid-19 pandemic and their recent partnership with Dolphin Entertainment.
To listen to more Park Street Insider Podcast episodes, visit our home page on Apple, Spotify, Buzzsprout, or wherever you get your podcasts!
